Windmill Cafe

I adore this place! The ambiance is so quaint and welcoming, the food is simply delicious (great place for dietary restrictions as well), the employees are lovely, and it all just makes me feel as if I’m living in a studio ghibli film. I’ve especially had great interactions and service from Paula ❤ Support local small businesses!

Very cute café that's in a historic building right by Twin Lakes Beach! Tons of gluten free and vegan / vegetarian options for those that want them and overall just fresh and tasty. Fair prices too! Asian stir fry was excellent with tempeh (wild salmon available as well) and the breakfast scramble with greens was good - I think it would be even better with cheese added on top (will do that next time). Cappuccino was good and strong!

Celiac friendly (gluten free). Wonderful service, darling atmosphere! We LOVED the potatoes and gf French toast. Everything was delicious, good portions, and the attentive and thoughtful customer service was A+. 10/10 highly recommend. Bummed we're not local or we would be regulars.

This place is awesome. Great quality food, as far as organic non gmo. My kids had the French toast with REAL mapel syrup, no HFC syrup, loved it. I had the grilled sandwich with salmon and goat cheese, loved it. The portions are not huge, but the price is very reasonable.

This is a great little cafe especially if you have dietary restrictions. Most of the food can be made gluten free and a lot of the menu items are vegan friendly. The whole place has a very Santa Cruz feel to it and it's extremely casual. The food is good and the smoothies are delicious. I had the grilled goat cheese and salmon sandwich with the Frida smoothie. Absolutely fantastic. The line to order food isn't too bad, but when they're busy it will take a while for you to get your food.

Lots of gluten free options. This is a funky Santa Cruz experience. Good food, friendly service, relaxed atmosphere, indoor or outdoor dining, and it's unique - you can tell your friends about it. We go here whenever we're in SC.

My absolute favorite breakfast place in town. Food is great. Gluten-free options. Delicious lattes. Lovely patio. Delightful owner & staff. 💜

Absolutely amazing. Very very generous with how much you’re getting for the price. Amazing quality of food and presentation. Super aesthetic and relaxing outside eating area. Absolute hidden gem of Santa Cruz I will recommend forever.

Scrambled eggs with fresh greens from the garden in the back was delicious. Plenty of gluten free options such as waffles, toast, bagels, homemade pastries, and soups. Will definitely be coming here again.

We have become regulars here since earlier in the pandemic. Love that everything is outside and appreciate that the staff. This place has so many tasty vegetarian options; I want to try them all but go back to my regulars - I quite often crave their breakfast burrito and tempeh bacon avocado sandwiches 🤤 🤤

Gluten- free French toast! It's SO good. They have a ton of gluten free muffins, brownies, etc. Super cute, friendly place with outdoor seating.

Super yummy and our server, Paula, was an absolute delight.

Tons of vegan options. It's very cozy and relaxing. Delicious food and the coffee is the best in the area

Beautiful garden, currently only outdoor seating. Veggie croissant and French toast was delicious! Walk to the beach after with your coffee.

My husband and I are regulars here. There are vegetarian options including soups made from scratch without premade stock (great for those with food allergies/sensitivities!) the coffee/tea is great, cute outdoor seating area. Wish they would go back to the pre-pandemic hours until 3pm as we often want to go there just at or around 2-2:30 when they’re closing. Highly recommend.

My grandfather would take us there for breakfast as long as I can remember. One of my absolute favorites in Santa Cruz

Cute cafe. The homemade chai latte wasn’t very good but the mocha was super tasty.

Mary and the crew never disappoints! This is my absolute favorite spot to grab coffee, breakfast or brunch- and to catch up with friends because the outdoor space is superb. The staff is super friendly and knows me by name. Pro tip- with all the delicious menu items, people forget the soups- Mary (and Frankie’s) soups are literally the best- made with love and organic ingredients fresh from Mary’s personal garden.

Anyway- hats off to Mary and the whole family at windmill cafe- thank you so much for my brunch today and I can’t wait to see you tomorrow and any other day I need a pick me up or a delicious meal.

Delicious healthy bites with a side of naughty if you please. The brownie was a better chocolate fix than any of the gourmet chocolates we purchased on our stay.

Delicious breakarito and surf's up breakfast. Very friendly and helpful staff. Nice outside seating.